The Blog

Over the course of several blog posts, I'd like to share with you some key takeaways from the 2015 Chamber Member Survey. First, thank you to all that took the time to share your thoughts. Overall we received 156 responses.

Perhaps one of the most striking result of the survey is the overwhelming shift to positivity about business and community in Winter Haven. It wasn't that you didn't have suggestions and concerns, but overall the majority of people that took the survey are feeling good about the future of their business and the future of Winter Haven. In today's post, let's look at some of those questions.

Your view of current economic conditions: In terms of your business, what effect has the past year had on your business?

In short - many of you are experiencing growth. Over 69% of respondents stated their business has grown 5% or more over the last year. Over 25% felt their business activity had remained unchanged.

Considering the current trends in the business environment (specifically thinking of your business), do you feel the economic activity:

65.55% of respondents felt their business was returning to growth mode. 30.25% believe it was about the same as one year ago4.20% believe it will get worse before it gets better

During the last 12 months my company has . . .

Employment numbers are looking good. Over 92% have either remained stable with their number of employees or added new employees.

What is your business outlook for the coming 12 months as compared to the last 12 months:

Really positive outlooks: 46.22% expect to grow, 53.78% expect to remain stable, and no one expects a downturn.

In summary, you have shared that you are excited about living in and working in Winter Haven. People are more openly positive than the past and that, I am sure, is a reflection of a stronger economy and many of the amazing things happening in Winter Haven. Let's not take this for granted. Let's make the best of this positivity and forward movement to take advantage of the opportunities and address the challenges to continue make Winter Haven the best place to live, work, play and raise a family.